Reset mechanism for fuel delivery pump register



B. W. F 058 March 17, 1959 RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL DELIVERY PUMP REGISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov 16. 1953 i I N V EN TOR. Jam Z222 1% 05.;

BY W W 4? W March 17, 1959 B. w. F055 7 2,877,930..

RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL DELIVERY PUMP REGISTER Filed Nbv. 16. 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 &

2,877,930 RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL DELIVERY PUMP REGISTER Filed Nov. 16. 1953 B. W. FOSS March 17, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 B. W. FOSS March 17, 1959 RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL DELIVERY PUMP REGISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 16. 1953 BY W,

R m mm QQW & MMW

mm MMW March 17, 1959 B. w. Foss 2,877,930

RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL DELIVERY PUMP REGISTER Filed Nov. 16. 1953 [FM 1m 5 Sheets-Sheet '5 ,JMZ

RESET MECHANISM FOR FUEL PUMP REGISTER Application November 16, 1953, Serial No. 392,421

30 Claims. (Cl. 222-33) DELIVERY This invention relates to liquid dispensing apparatus, and concerns more particularly resetting mechanisms for resetting the registers of gasoline dispensing pumps.

Gasoline dispensing pumps are conventionally provided with registering mechanism for registering the volume, and generally also the cost, of the gasoline dispensed during the course of each dispensing operation. Prior to an ensuing dispensing operation, it is desirable to effect the resetting of the registering mechanism to zero, and it is generally desirable that this resetting operation be effected just prior to and at the initiation of such ensuing dispensing operation.

In my prior Patent No. 2,289,003, dated July'7, 1942, and entitled Automatic Reset Device for Computers, apparatus and methods are disclosed for effecting the resetting of a dispensing pump register, at the initiation of each dispensing operation, wherein the hydraulic pressure in the dispensing line is employed as the power means for the resetting mechanisms. The means and methods provided in such patent provide a satisfactorily operable resetting mechanism, but are subject to certain inherent limitations which are avoided by the present invention which, stated generally, provides a power type resetting arrangement wherein stored energy is utilized to effect, either partially or fully, the resetting at the initiation of each dispensing operation; the stored energy being powered by hydraulic means, and released under accurate control as an incident to and in connection with each dispensing operation employed. The invention may be applied to any type of register, wherein the resetting may be effected by rotary, lineal, or other desired motion.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus and methods for effecting the resetting of register mechanisms, and particularly to effect the resetting of register mechanisms for liquid apparatus such as gasoline dispensing pumps, as an incident to and in connection with the successive dispensing operatrons.

More particularly stated, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus and methods for effecting the resetting of registers for gasoline dispensing pumps, employing in whole or in part, stored energy the release of which is accurately controlled in connection with the dispensing operation, and wherein the energy is preferably provided by hydraulic means.

Further objects of the invention are to provide apparatus and methods for effecting the power resetting of gasoline dispensing pump registering mechanisms, of simplified and lower cost construction, of wide adaptability to any desired type of register, and which are more rapid and reliable in operation, and provide other improved operating characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide resetting apparatus and methods of the general type of my prior Patent No. 2,289,003, but including improvements therein.

Various objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following specification, when States Fatent 2 taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly View, partly schematic in form, of a liquid dispensing apparatus, and specifically a gasoline dispensing pump, incorporating a resetting mechanism constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention, in accordance with one selected embodiment thereof;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the air separator mechanism, and associated parts, forming a part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a further enlarged sectional view of a part of the air separator mechanism, taken as indicated by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the resetting mechanism, and associated hydraulic power means, forming a part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of the structure of Fig. 4 taken on the line 55 thereof;

Fig. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of certain of the parts more particularly illustrated in Fig. .4; I

Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are views, generally similar to Fig. 4, illustrating the sequential operating positions of the parts;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but illustrating the invention as applied to a different type of register;

Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view of the structure of Fig. 10 taken as indicated by the line '1111 thereof;

Fig. 12 is a view also similar to Fig. 4 but illustrating a further modified embodiment of the. invention;

Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view of the structure of Fig. 12 on the line 13-13 thereof;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 2 and showing a no-drain attachment for the line leading to the reset cylinder; and

Fig. 15 is a further enlarged view in vertical section of the no-drain valve of Fig. 14.

In the drawings, the invention has been illustrated as applied to a gasoline dispensing apparatus of the type commonly employed in filling stations for automotive vehicles, and the like, as the invention in its more specific aspects is particularly adapted thereto. It is to be understood, however, that various broader aspects of the invention are adaptable for use in register resettingmechanisms, generally, including resetting means for registers for various types of liquid dispensing apparatus.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-9, in Fig. l a gasoline dispensing pump is illustrated comprising the casing or housing 10 associated with an underground tank or the like 12 forming a source of gasoline liquid supply. An inlet pipe 14 having a foot valve 15 leads from the tank 12 to an air separator mechanism 16 disposed within the casing 10, which air separator mechanism is more particularly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

The air separator mechanism comprises a casing .18 within which is disposed a pump 20 powered by an electric motor 22, Fig. 1. The pump 20 has associated therewith a bypass valve 24 which when open permits liquid circulation by the pump when the motor 22 is in op eration, and gasoline is not being dispensed. The motor 22 is controlled from a switch 26, the detailed functioning of which will be subsequently described.

The air separator mechanism further comprises a delivery valve 28, Fig. 2, controlling liquid flow to a dispensing line 30, leading to a meter 32, a pipe 34, a sight gauge 36, a flexible hose 38 and a nozzle and valve assembly 40 by which liquid flow through the dispensing line is controlled in the usual manner.

separating The meter 32 is arranged to operate a register mechanism 42 including a volume register 44 and a cost register 46, in a manner which will be understood, the register further including a unit price indicator 48 by which the unit cost of the gasoline or other liquid dispensed may be indicated.

Referring to Fig. 2, the air separator mechanism further includes a piston 50 for controlling the movement of the by-pass valve 24, a piston 52 for controlling the movements of the delivery valve 28, an orifice device 54 interconnecting the pump outlet chamber 56 with an air and vapor separator chamber 58, a float and valve assembly 60, 62 for controlling the return of separated liquid to the dispensing line, and an air exhaust pipe 64 leading to atmosphere. In the functioning of the air separator mechanism, the piston 52 causes opening of the delivery valve 28 when a predetermined delivery pressure has been produced by the pump within the pump outlet chamber 56, and the piston 50 is arranged to open the by-pass valve 24 at a predetermined higher pressure to permit by-passing of the pump whenever the pump is in operation and the dispensing line associated with the delivery valve is blocked, as for example by the closing of the nozzle valve 40. During dispensing the orifice mechanism 54 permits the continuous bleeding of vapor and liquid from the uppermost portions of the pump outlet chamber 56 into the separator chamber 58, wherein the float and valve assembly 60, 62 functions to return separated liquid to the dispensing line while permitting separated air and vapor to be exhausted to atmosphere through the pipe 64. It will be noted that the separator chamber 58 is continuously maintained at atmospheric pressure, whereas the pump outlet chamber 56 will be at atmospheric pressure when the pump is idle, but at a predetermined higher pressure whenever the pump is functioning to effect liquid delivery.

Referring to Fig. 3, wherein the orifice device 54 is more particularly disclosed, it will be seen that such device comprises a fitting 66 having an orifice 68 of predetermined size, there being further provided a fiexure or leaf spring 70 having formed therein an orifice 72 of predetermined smaller size. The leaf spring 70 is so arranged that when the pump chamber 56 is under pressure, the spring will be maintained upwardly by such pressure in its full line position so that the smaller orifice 72 is effective to control the vapor and liquid flow between the chambers 56 and 58; whereas when the pump is stationary and chamber 56 is at atmospheric pressure,

the inherent resiliency of the spring maintains it in its lower dotted line position so that the larger orifice 68 is functionally in control.

In the operation of the parts thus far described, gasoline or other liquid is drawn through the inlet pipe 14 to the air separator, when the motor 22 is in operation, under control of the switch 26. When a predetermined pumping pressure is reached, delivery valve 28 opens and the gasoline is dispensed through the meter 32 and the remaining parts of the dispensing line to the delivery nozzle and valve assembly 40. The register 42 is driven in accordance with the operation of the meter. During the dispensing, vapor and liquid, in controlled amount, escapes through the orifice 72-68, see Fig. 3, to the separator chamber 58 from which air and vapor is exhausted to atmosphere, and air-free and vapor-free liquid is returned through valve 62 to the dispensing system. During dispensing, chambers 56 and 58 are at different pressure, and when the pump is at rest, the two chambers are both at atmospheric pressure.

In accordance with the present invention, the differential in pressures in pump chamber 56 and in the air chamber 58 is utilized to power the resetting devices. Referring to Figs. 1 and 4-6, it will be seen that there is provided a power comprising a cylinder casing 76, the lower end of which resetting mechanism 741 communicates with the pump outlet chamber 6 t ugh 7 'ment 126 formed as a part a pipe 78, and the upper end of which communicates with the separator chamber '58 by means of a pipe 80.

A piston 82 is reciprocable within the cylinder casing 76, the piston being normally urged downwardly from the position shown in Fig. 4 by a compression spring 84, and the upper end of the piston being formed as a rack 86.

The rack 86 meshes with and is arranged to drive a gear 88 secured to a clutch shaft 90, the end of which carries a clutching collar 92 provided with a cam surface and a single engagement tooth as indicated at 94, and urged to the left as seen in Fig. 4 by means of a compression spring 96. A pin and slot connection including pin 95 and slot 97 limits the leftward or outward movement of the clutch collar 92 on the shaft 90, as will be understood. The clutch collar 92 engages and cooperates with a similarly formed clutch collar 98 connected to the reset shaft of the register 42 by means of a pin 99 and a slot 101.

Thus the rack 86 moving between fixed positions operates as an actuator in moving from its initial fixed position shown in Fig. 4 to its terminal position in Fig. 8 under force of spring 84 to reset the register through the one way drive connection 94.

As in my prior Patent No. 2,289,003, the register 42 may be of any suitable type, but in Figs. 1-9 is illustrated as the commercial register-computer manufactured by the Veeder-Root Company of Hartford, Connecticut, wherein resetting operations are effected by a rotation of the reset shaft 100 one and one-eighth revolutions or 405 in resetting direction, after which the reset shaft must be reversely rotated 45 or one-eighth revolution by impetus from a return spring within the register mechanism to lift the shutters from the numeral dials.

Referring further to Figs. 1 and 4-6, it will be seen that the support for the nozzle is formed as a yoke-like lever 102, pivoted to the casing 10 at 104, and having its inner end 106, Fig. 4, pivotally connected to a link 108, the upper end of which is pivotally connected, by means of a pin 110, to a rock arm 112 secured to a pivot shaft 114 by means of its hub portion 115, see Fig. 5. As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, this shaft has pinned thereto a shorter latching arm 116 and a cross pin 118, and has rockably mounted thereon a bracket member 120, the lower end of which is formed as a depending longer hookshaped latching arm 122, and the upper end of which is formed as a stop arm 124 arranged to engage an abutof a casing extension 128 of the cylinder casing 76. The bracket member has a widened wing-like slot 130 through which the cross pin 118 of the pivot shaft 114 loosely projects so as to provide a lost motion connection between the shaft 114 and the bracket 120, of a predetermined magnitude. A compression spring 132 normally urges the bracket member 120 clockwise as seen in Fig. 4, for a purpose presently to be described.

As further best shown in Fig. 6, the rack 86 is provided with a short lug 134 positioned for cooperation with the shorter latching arm 116, and with a longer lug or abutment 136 aligned for cooperation with the longer latching arm 122 of the bracket member 120.

Also pivotally connected to the pin 110 is a link 138, the lower end of which is formed with a slot 140 engageable with a pin 142 carried at the upper end of a motor switch control rod 144. A rock shaft 146 is pivotally mounted in the casing extension 128, this rock shaft having loosely mounted thereon an arm 148, the outer end of which is pivotally connected to the aforementioned pin 142. Pinned to rock shaft 146 is a second arm 150, and a collar 152 carrying an abutment 154 aligned with the rack lug 136, as best shown in Fig. 5; there being a tension spring 156 interconnected between the outer end of the arm and the pin 142 disposed at the outer end of arm 148.

This latching arm 116 with its associated elements acts as a retaining means to retain rack 86 in its initial position, and with the spring 84 and the fluid function as operating mechanism for the actuator 86. This operating mechanism and the switch for the motor are controlled by the manual Operating member 102 and associated members, this control mechanism also including the switch operating arm 148 and spring 156, and the control member 150 which is moved by the rack 86 from the position shown in Fig. 4 in which it prevents closing of the switch to the position shown in Fig. 9, so that the switch may be closed only in response to the action of the manual control member and the resetting mechanism.

The operation of the resetting devices is shown in the sequential views, Figs. 4, 7, 8 and 9; Fig. 4 shows the initial position of the parts; Fig. 7 shows the parts in the middle of the register resetting operation with the rack partly lowered; Fig. 8 shows the rack in its completely lowered position at the end of the register resetting; and Fig. 9 shows the rack at the limit of its upward motion in the position in which it is maintained during the dispensing operation so long as dispensing pressure is maintained in the system.

Normally, when the dispensing apparatus is not in use, the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 4 with the latching arm 116 engaged under the shorter rack lug 134, so as to hold the rack upwardly against the downward urging force of compression spring 84. Thus, the power actuator for the reset mechanism is held cooked in power operativecondition. The tight fit of piston 82 in cylinder 76 maintains the cylinder chamber 76 and the associated pipe connection 78 liquid-filled from the previous dispensing operation. Cross pin 118 holds the latch arm 122 counterclockwise, as seen in Fig. 4, so that the latching arm 122 is released from the longer rack lug 136. In this position latch 116 engages under latch lug 134 to hold the rack in raised position.

To initiate a new dispensing operation the operator removes the hose nozzle and lifts upwardly on the hose support and motor switch control lever 102. This moves link 108 downwardly and rotates rock arm 112 in a clockwise direction and moves link 138 downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 7. Rotation of arm 112 turns shaft 114 also in a clockwise direction and causes the cross pin 118 to move in slot 130 to position shown in Fig. 7. Upon further rotation of arm 112 latch arm 116 is withdrawn from engagement with the shorter lug 134 and this releases the rack. Hook 122 fails to engage the longer lug 136 since the lower end of lug 136 is positioned beneath hook 122. The rack is now free to move downwardly under the force of spring 84. As

piston 82 and rack 86 move downwardly, their rate of r movement is controlled by the flow of liquid from cylinder 76 through pipe 78. The rate of movement of rack 86 and consequently the rate of reset of the register mechanism may be controlled by the diameter of pipe 78, but is preferably controlled by the size of the orifice 68 The downward movement of link 138 simultaneously with the clockwise motion of arm 112 rotates arm 148 clockwise by engagement of pin 142. Full movement of the nozzle support 102 however is insufficient to move link 144 sufi'iciently to turn on the pump motor switch 26. The various linkages assume the position as shown in Fig. 7 in which position the motor switch is not turned on. Accordingly resetting is commenced while the pump motor is still de-energized. Spring 156 holds the parts in the motor de-energized position until the long lug 136 on rack 86 contacts abutment 154.

Further downward movement of rack 36 under the influence of spring 84 urges lug 136 against abutment 154 and rotates the abutment and its connected arm 150 in a counterclockwise direction. As soon as the line interconnecting the ends of the spring 156 crosses the center of rock shaft 146, the tension in spring 156 snaps the arms 148 and 150 to the position shown in Fig. 8. The resulting clockwise movement of arm 148 moves link 144 downwardly to close switch 26 and thus euergize the pump motor 22.

The movement of rack 86 from the position of Fig. 4 to the position of Fig. 8 eflects the resetting of the register mechanism by rotating the reset shaft 100 a full 405. The apparatus is now in condition for a dispensing operation. Dispensing can be efiected by opening the nozzle 40, see Fig. 1.

As soon as pump 20 is operating under the influence of motor 22 the liquid pressure within the air separator begins to build up and liquid is forced upwardly through pipe 78 into the bottom of reset cylinder 76. Further increase in pressure serves to move piston 82 upwardly against the action of spring 84 and this moves the reset mechanism including rack 86 into the position shown in Fig. 9.

The resistance to flow offered by the piston 82, and the size of pipe 78 is such that at least the first 45, and preferably all of the return movement of the shaft 90 is completed before pressure within the pump chamber 56 builds up sufiiciently to open either the delivery valve 28 or the by-pass valve 24. Thus the spring within the register may return the reset shaft 45 to remove the shutters from in front of the dials in the register before the delivery valve opens. After this movement, clutch 94 allows the return movement of the shaft 90 and rack 86 independent of shaft and the register. As the rack return movement is completed, and pressure within the pump chamber 56 builds up, and delivery valve 28 opens to dispense the gasoline if the nozzle valve has been opened, or as a predetermined higher pressure is reached the by-pass valve 24 is opened to by-pass the delivery of the pump until the nozzle valve is opened and dispensing flow through the hose line is permitted.

Referring to Fig. 9, it will be seen that as the rack reaches its uppermost position, latch 122 automatically engages beneath the rack lug 136. Should pressure fail at any time during the dispensing operation, as for example by excess vapor in the system or electrical failure of the pump motor, the rack can drop only slightly whereupon it will be caught by latch 122.

If rack 86 should drop so that the longer lug 136 is caught by latch 122, the upper end of latch 116 will still be a short distance under the shorter lug 134 and subsequent movement of the nozzle support 102 to the off position will move latch 116 under lug 134. This insures normal operation of the reset device even if pressure is lost during dispensing such as through a power failure or a break in the hydraulic lines.

At the end of the dispensing operation, hose hook 102 is moved downwardly by the operator, causing the lifting of link 138 and the counterclockwise movement of rock arm 112. The shorter latching arm 116 of the rock arm is so positioned that it engages beneath its relatively short associated rack lug 134 as the latch 122 is restored by the cross pin 118 to its Fig. 4 position. The upward movement of link 138 lifts switch rod 144 to shut off the motor and also causes spring 156 to move upwardly past dead center position resulting in an up ward snapping of toggle arm to its restored Fig. 4 position whereupon the parts are again ready for a new dispensing operation.

It will be seen that the system includes complete safeguards for automatic operation. If the hose hook 102 is raised only momentarily and then lowered, at. the beginning of a dispensing operation, the rack 86 will be released, but the control rod 144 will not be fully lowered, so that the motor will not be started until the hose hook 102 is again raised. Upward restoring movement of the rack at least sufiiciently to clear the shutters occurs before opening of the delivery valve can be accomplished by the hydraulic pressure. If the pump motor should be shut ofi during the upward restoring motion of' the rack, and prior to the complete upward rack 7 movement, the rack would move downwardly due to the loss of hydraulic pressure, but this does not disturb the register setting as there is only one clutch notch 94 drivingly connecting with the register reset shaft.

It will be seen that the invention provides in effect a hydraulic resetting mechanism, but wherein the hydraulic power is used to store energy within a part of the reset mechanism, viz., the spring 84, which energy is released at the beginning of the dispensing operation and prior to the operation of the pump motor to elfect the resetting of the register. The use of a relatively small hydraulic mechanism is permitted, and resetting at a controlled rate is insured, in accordance with the pressure of the spring 84 and the size of the orifice 68, see Fig. 3. During dispensing operations the smaller orifice 72 is in control, this latter orifice being predetermined in accordance with the desired air and vapor elimination characteristics of the system. A simplified clutch 94 is employed. The resetting operation occurs rapidly at the beginning of each dispensing operation in an insured and reliable manner.

In the previously described embodiment, the invention is shown applied to the particular characteristic movements of a Veeder-Root standard commercial register. However, as previously set forth, the invention is adaptable to register mechanisms of any desired type and kind, and wherein the resetting thereof is effected by either rotary, lineal, or other types of resetting movement, as may be desired. Thus, in Figs. 10, and 11, the invention is shown applied to a register wherein a reciprocating or oscillating movement is employed to effect the register reset.

In the structure illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 the switch lever 102a, link 138a, motor control rod 144a, and reset rack 86a, are structurally arranged, and function in the manner of the similarly numbered parts in the previously described embodiment of the invention, except the extent of movement of the rack 86:: is such as to impart a single revolution of movement to the gear 88a and its associated parts, as shown. The clutch structure is somewhat differently arranged, and in this instance gear 88a is loosely journaled on reset shaft 200, and is provided with an integral hub portion 202 having a single clutch tooth engageable with a collar 204 pinned to the shaft 200 as indicated by the pin and slot connection 206. A compression spring 208 normally holds the clutching parts in position.

A crank arm 210 is fixed to the end of the reset shaft 200, the end of this crank arm being pivotally connected to the lower end of a link 212, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to a crank arm 214 pinned to the end of the resetting shaft 216 of a suitable register mechanism provided within the housing 218. The register in this embodiment is of the type wherein the resetting thereof is effected by a reciprocating or oscillatory motion of the arm 214 and the connected reset shaft 216 forming a part of the register device.

In the operation of the parts, in the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11, downward movement of the rack 86a, upon operation of the switch lever 102:: to initiate the dispensing operation, imparts a single revolution of movement to the gear 88a and the reset shaft 200, in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 11, due to the clutch connections provided therebetween. This revolution of movement of the shaft 200 imparts a reciprocation or oscillation of movement to the arm 215 and associated register shaft 216, to effect a resetting of the register by such movement. Suitable shutter devices may or may not be associated with the register, and operated at any time during the resetting thereof, as may be desired.

At the end of the downward movement of the rack 86a the motor control rod 144ais operated to initiate the action of the pump, as in the previously described embodiment. In the ensuing upward or restoring movement of the rack 86a, as the hydraulic pressure is instituted,

clutch 202-204 functions to permit the rotation of gear 88a, without corresponding counterclockwise rotation of the reset shaft 200, as will be understood.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 link 1081) and the associated latch and control parts operate as in the embodiments previously described, but in place of the rack structure 86 or 36a, as the case may be, there is provided a rod, as indicated at 240, reciprocable within the housing 128b.

The lower end of the rod is secured to a diaphragm 242, of suitable flexible material, the rod and diaphragm being interconnected by means of a pair of clamping plates 244 and 246 as shown. The marginal edge of the diaphragm is clamped and sealed between the lower end of housing 128b, and a complemental housing part 248, the housing parts being firmly secured together by a series of marginal clamping bolts 250. The auxiliary housing 248, below the diaphragm, interconnects with the separator chamber of the dispensing apparatus by means of conduit 78b, functionally corresponding to the conduit 78 in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. l-9. The conduit 80 of the embodiment of Figs. 1-9 is eliminated, and may be replaced by a suitable vent 252, Fig. 12, venting the lower portion of the housing 128b above the diaphragm. Compression spring 84b normally urges the diaphragm downwardly, as in the case of the piston structures previously described.

As best shown in Fig. 13, actuating rod 240 is provided with a pin 254 operable in a slot formed in the end of an arm 256 fixed to reset shaft 258 which, as shown in Fig. 12, is interconnected by means of a coupling 260 with the reset shaft 262 of a register 264.

In the operation of the structure shown, the flexible diaphragm 242 operates in the same manner as the pistons 82 and 82a previously described, except that leakage is positively precluded by the structure provided. Downward movement of the control rod 240, upon actuation of the link 108b, to initiate the dispensing operation, causes a movement of the arm 256 and the associated register reset shafts 258262 through a predetermined increment of movement in a forward or clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 13. As the rod 240 reaches lowermost position, the motor switch is closed to initiate the dispensing operation as prevously described, and in the ensuing return or upward movement of the control rod 240, the arm 256 and associated reset shafts 258--- 262 are restored counterclockwise through said increment of travel to their normal or original position. If the register resetting mechanism is of the type wherein the complete resetting of the register is effected by the said clockwise movement of the reset shaft, it will be seen that the resetting is effected completely by the stored energy of the spring 84b; whereas if the register is of the type wherein the resetting is completed by a reciprocation or oscillation of the reset shaft (both forward and return movement thereof) it will be seen that the resetting is eifected in part by the stored energy of the spring 841), and in part by the hydraulic power of the dispensing system, prior to the opening of the delivery valve 28 to permit the flow of gasoline through the dispensing hose nozzle.

In the modification shown in Figs. 14 and 15 of the drawings, a two-way no drain valve is provided in the line 78 which leads to the reset cylinder 76. This twoway valve is generally designated by the numeral 270 and is best shown in Fig. 15. Valve 270 includes a generally cylindrical housing 272 which is provided at the upper and lower ends with threaded apertures 274 and 276 respectively to receive the threaded ends of lines 78. There is provided within housing 272 a valve seat 278 adapted and shaped to fit with a valve member 280. Valve member 280 is hinged to housing 272 at point 282 and is normally urged to the closed position as shown in Fig. 15 by its own weight.

Mounted upon valve member 280 is a second valve member 284 which overlies and closes an aperture 286 formed in valve member 280. The second valve member 284 is hinged at point 288 to the first valve member 280and is held in the closed position as shown in Fig. 15 by a spring 290 that is mounted on a support arm 292. Arm 292 is fixedly mounted on the first valve member 280.

When liquid is moving upwardly in line 78 and through the two-way valve 270, the pressure of the liquid swings valve member 280 and the parts mounted thereon in counterclockwise direction to open line 78. This provides unimpeded flow of liquid from the air separator to the reset cylinder 76.

At the end of the dispensing cycle, it is desirable to maintain the liquid within cylinder 76 and line 78 so that this liquid will be present to control the rate of reset. Since the rack 86' is latched in the upward position the only force urging liquid downwardly is the Weight of the liquid itself. Accordingly spring 290 is designed so that it is stronger than the force acting upon the second valve member 284 due only to the weight of liquid in cylinder 76 and line 78.

When it is desired to begin a dispensing operation, rack 86 is released and spring 84 urges piston 82 downwardly and forces liquid from cylinder 76 through line 78. The strength of spring 290 is so adjusted that this spring is overcome by the combined forces of spring 84 when released and the weight of liquid in cylinder 76 and line 78. This permits drainage of liquid from cylinder 78 under the urging of spring 84.

The above form of the invention as shown in Figs. 14 and 15 insures that liquid will be present in cylinder 76 and line 78 to control the rate of resetting. This is desirable to save wear and tear on the register and its associated resetting mechanism.

It will thus be seen that the resetting means as provided by the present invention may use stored energy, stored by the hydraulic power of the system, either in whole or in part for effecting the resetting action, and with or without the conjoint hydraulic power propulsion of the parts. Also, the resetting mechanism provided is adapted for use with any suitable type of register, requiring either rotary or reciprocating movements, and of any desired magnitude and character in accordance with the register design.

This application is a continuation-in-part, of application Serial No. 251,604, filed October 16, 1951, now abandoned.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments set forth for purposes of illustration without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, propelling means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, control means for the propelling means, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, power resetting means for the register, hydraulically operated means for storing energy within the power means, and means operated by the control means for controlling the release of energy from the power means to effect the resetting of said register.

2. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump, switch mechanism for controlling the motor, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line and having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein,

means interconnecting the actuator and register for effecting register resetting by movements of the actuator,

a spring for imparting resetting movements to the actuator, a latch for restraining the actuator from movement, and means controlled by the switch mechanism for releasing the latch.

3. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump, switch mechanism for controlling the motor, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, means including a one-way clutch interconnecting the actuator and register for eifecting register resetting by movements of the actuator, a spring for imparting resetting movements to the actuator, a latch for restraining the actuator from movement, and means controlled by the switch mechanism for releasing the latch.

4. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump, a manual control member, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, means interconnecting the actuator and register for effecting register resetting by movements of the actuator, a spring for imparting resetting movements to the actuator, a latch for restraining the actuator from movement, means controlled by said manual control member for releasing the latch, and means controlled by the movement of the actuator for starting the motor.

5. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump, a manual control member, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, means interconnecting the actuator and register for elfecting register resetting by movements of the actuator, a spring for imparting resetting movements to the actuator, a latch for restraining the actuator from movement, means controlled by said manual control member for releasing the latch, and means controlled conjointly by the manual control member and the movements of the actuator for starting the motor.

6. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump; switch mechanism for controlling the motor, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, said actuator being operated in one direction by fluid pressure within the dispensing line, a spring for shifting the actuator in the opposite direction, a fluid transmitting orifice for controlling the movements of the actuator under action by the spring, and means interconnecting the actuator and register for effecting register resetting by the movements of the actuator under the influence of said spring.

7. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said actuator comprises a piston operable within said hydraulic chamber.

8. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6,

operable within said hydraulic pensing line adapted to wherein said actuator comprises a flexible diaphragm chamber.

9. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of l1quid supply, a pump for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, an electric motor for driving the pump, a manual control member, ance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line having a fluid and spring pressure operated actuator therein, means interconnecting the actuator and register for effecting register resetting by movements of the actuator, a latch for restraining the actuator from movement, means controlled by said manual control member for releasing the latch, motor starting means operated by the actuator, and speed control means for controlling the speed of operation of the actuator when actuated by the spring.

10. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, propelling means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, control means for the propelling means, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, power resetting means for the register, hydraulically operated means for storing energy within the power resetting means, the release of the energy effecting resetting of said register by said power resetting means,

said power resetting means operating said control means substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting, and hydraulic flow means for controlling the rate of operation of said power resetting means.

11. A liquid dispensing apparatus COIIIPI'lSlHg a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, propelling means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, control means for the propelling means, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by the meter, a hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line and having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, means interconnecting the actuator and register for etfecting register resetting by movement of the actuator, said actuator operating saidcontrol means to begin operation of said propelling means substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting, means to cause movement of said actuator in the resetting direction, and hydraulic flow means for controlling discharge from said hydraulic chamber during the resetting motion of said actuator to control the rate of resetting.

12. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a disbe connected to a source of liquid supply, means for establishing pressure on liquid in said line, a control valve in said dispensing line, control means for said pressure establishing means, a meter operable in accordance with the flow of liquid through the dispensing line, a register operated by the meter, power resetting means for the register, actuator means for causing actuation of said power resetting means to complete resetting and thereafter to actuate said pressure establishing means, and means responsive to actuation of tion of said pressure establishing means to open said control valve.

13. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for establishing pressure on liquid in said line, an air separator in said dispensing line, a control valve in said air separator and in the closed position blocking said dispensing line, a register mechanism operable in accordance with the flow of liquid through the dispensing line, resetting means for the register mechanism, control means for eflecting the operation of the register resetting means and after completion of the resetting operation to thereafter actuate said pressure estabishing means, and means responsive to actuation of a meter operable in accord-,

'said pressure establishing means to open said control valve. 1 a i 14. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, a meter operable in accordance with the liquid propelled through the line, a register operated by themeter, an hydraulic chamber interconnected with the dispensing line and having a fluid pressure operated actuator therein, means interconnecting the actuator and register for effecting register resetting by movement of said actuator, said actuator having a resetting initiating and a resetting completion position, means to move said actuator toward the resetting completion position, hydraulic pressure from said dispensing line moving said actuator to the resetting initiating position against the action of said resetting movement means, a first latch means to hold said actuator in the resetting initiating position while liquid pressure is exerted in said hydraulic chamber, and a second latch means to hold said actuator in the resetting initiating position in the absence of pressure in said hydraulic chamber and against said resetting movement means.

15. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for establishing pressure on the liquid in said line, control means for controlling the operation of said pressure establishing means, register mechanism operable in accordance with the flow of liquid through the dispensing line, power resetting means for the register mechanism, and actuator means for causing actuation of said power resetting means to complete resetting and substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting to actuate said control means to establish pressure on liquid in said dispensing line.

16. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, register mechanism operable in accordance with the flow of liquid through the dispensing line, power resetting means for said register mechanism in- "cluding an actuator having a resetting initiating position pelling means energizing means substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting, operation of said propelling means storing energy in said energy storing means and returning said actuator to the resetting initiating position, said control means thereafter holding said actuator in the resetting initiating position under all operating conditions of said propelling means, said control means in another position deenergizing said propelling means and latching said actuator in the resetting initiating position in preparation for a subsequent dispensing operatlon.

17. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for propelling liquid through the dispensing line, a register mechanism operable in accordance with the flow of liquid through the dispensing line, a power resetting means for said register mechanism including an actuator having a resetting initiating position and a resetting completion position, energy storing means connected to said actuator and operative upon release to drive said actuator from the resetting initiating position to the resetting completion position, energizing means for said propelling means, and control means for controllingoperation of said dispensing apparatus having a first latch means and a second latch means, said control resetting initiating position and being effective in another position to engage said firsttlatch means to release said energy storing means therebydrivingsaid actuator from resetting initiating to resetting. completion position, said actuator operating said energizing means substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting, operation of said propelling means storing energy in said energy storing means and returning said actuator to the resetting initiating position, said second latch means thereafter holding said actuator in the resetting initiating position under all operating conditions of said propelling means while said control means is in said another position, movement of said control means to said one position disengaging said second latch means and reengaging said first latch means and deenergizing said energizing means for said propelling means.

18. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line adapted to be connected to a source of liquid supply, means for establishing pressure on the liquid in said line, control means for controlling the operation of said pressure establishing means, register mechanism operable in accordance with the'flow of liquid through the dispensing line, power resetting means for theregister mechanism, actuator means for causing actuation of said power resetting means to complete resetting and substantially simultaneously with completion of resetting to actuate said control means to establish pressure on liquid in said dispensing line, and speed control means for controlling the speed of operation of said actuator means.

19. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable register, driving means connectingsaid register -for operation by said meter, resetting means, a direct driving connection between said resetting means and said register including a unidirectional clutch connecting said resetting means to said register, a'spring for moving said resetting means to reset said register through said driving connection, latch means constructed and arranged to act directly upon said resetting means for restraining the latter from resetting movement by said spring, manually operable control means, means responsive to the manual operation of said control means forreleasing said latch means to initiate resetting and means responsive toboth the manual operation of said control means and to the resetting movement of said resetting means to close said switch to energize said motor.

20. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to supply liquid under pressure to said line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by liquid flowing through said line, a resettable register, driving means connecting said register for operation by said meter, resetting means having an initial condition, a direct driving connection between said resetting means and said register including a unidirectional clutch connecting said resetting means to said register, a spring for moving said resetting means to reset said register through said driving connection, latch means constructed and arranged to act directly uponsaid resetting means for restraining the latter in said initial condition against the action of said spring, means for releasing said latch means to initiate resetting, means operable only after completion of resetting to actuate said switch to start said motor, a manually operable element to open said switch and stop said motor, means for restoring said resetting means to initial condition under restraint of said latch means including connecting means to said manually operable -member for restoring said latch means to restrain said resetting means in said initial condition upon operation of said manually operable element to open said switch.

21. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable regis ter, driving means connecting said register for operation by said meter, resetting mechanism for resetting said register comprising'an actuator movable from a fixed initial position to a-terminal position and a one way connection means between said actuator and said resettable register effective to connect said actuator to said register to reset said register on movement of said actuator to said terminal position and ineliective to connect said actuator to .said register on movement from said terminal position, operating mechanism for operating said resetting mechanism comprising spring means to advance said actuator from said initial position to reset said register, means to return said actuator from said terminal position and energize said spring means, and releasable retaining means to retain said actuator in said initial position, and control mechanism for controlling dispensing of fluid and resetting of said register, comprising means to disable said releasable retaining means to release said actuator for resetting movement, switch operating means to close said switch, a switch control member connected to said switch operating means and movable from a first to a second position, and an operating member connected to said switch operating means and movable from afirst to a second position, said resetting mechanism having means to shift said switch control member from said first to said second position on movement of said actuator to said terminal position, said switch operating means being responsive to movement of both said control member and said operating member to said second positions to operate to close said switch.

22. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable register, driving means connecting said register for op eration by said meter, resetting mechanism for resetting said register comprising an actuator movable from a fixed initial position to a terminal position and a one way connection means between said actuator and said resettable register effective to connect said actuator to said register to reset said register on movement of said actuator to said terminal position and inefiective to connect said actuator to said register on movement from said terminal position, operating mechanism for operating said resetting mechanism comprising spring means to advance said actuator from said initial position to reset said register, means to return said actuator from said terminal position and energize said spring means, and releasable retaining means to retain said actuator in said initial position, and control'mechanism for controlling dispensing of fluid and resetting of said register, comprising means to disable said releasable retaining means to release said actuator for resetting movement, switch operating means to close said switch, switch control means to control operation of said switch operating means and actuated by'said resetting mechanism on resetting operation, and manual control means connected to said switch operating means, said switch operating means being responsive to actuation of said switch control means and said manual control means to operate to close said switch after release of said actuator.

23'. The apparatus claimed in claim 22 in which said manual control means may be actuated to open said switch, and in which said operating mechanism includes holding means efiective upon return of said actuator from said terminal position to prevent movement of said actuator by said spring to said terminal position, said holding means including said releasable retaining means to retain said actuator in said initial position, said manual control means being connected to act on said holding means to release said actuator on actuation of said manual control means to open and close said switch, said manual control means operating said means to disable said retaining means to release said actuator on actuation of said switch operating means to close said switch.

24. The apparatus claimed in claim 22, in which said manual control means is also operable to actuate said switch operating means to open said switch, said manual control means being operable to restore said retaining means on operation of said switch operating means to open said switch.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, in which said operating mechanism includes a second retaining means to prevent movement of said actuator toward said terminal position when said manual control means is actuated to operate said switch operating means to close said switch, said manual control means also being connected to disable said second retaining means on operation of said switch operating means to open said switch.

26. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable register, driving means connecting said register for operation by said meter, resetting mechanism for resetting said register comprising an actuator movable from a fixed initial position to a terminal position and a one way connection means between said actuator and said resettable register effective to connect said actuator to said register to reset said register on movement of said actuator to said terminal position and ineifective to connect said actuator to said register on movement from said terminal position, operating mechanism for operating said resetting mechanism comprising spring means to advance said actuator from said initial position to'reset said register, means to return said actuator from said terminal position and energize said spring means, and releasable retaining means to retain said actuator in said initial position, and control mechanism for controlling dispensing of fluid and resetting of said register, comprising, means to disable said releasable retaining means to releasesaid actuator for resetting operation, switch operating means to close said switch, switch control means operable in one position to prevent operation of said switch operating means to close said switch, said resetting mechanism having means engageable with said switch control means upon a resetting operation to shift said switch control means from said one position, and means to actuate said switch operating means to close said switch after shift of said switch control means from said one position.

27. The apparatus claimedin claim 26, in which said releasable retaining means includes interacting elements, one of said elements being connected to and movable with said actuator and the other of said elements having a fixed location in which it cooperates with said one of said elements to retain said actuator in said fixed initial position, and in which said means to return said actuator moves said actuator as far as said fixed initial position, said switch control means being shiftable to said one position on return movement of said-actuator.

28. The apparatus claimed in claim 26, in which said control mechanism also includes a manually operable member to operate said actuating means for said switch operating means, and a connection connecting said manually operable member to said disabling means for said releasable retaining means to actuate said last named means to release the actuator upon actuation of said 16 actuating means to actuate said switch operating means to close said switch.

29. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable register, driving means connecting said register for operation by said meter, resetting mechanism for resetting said register comprising an actuator movable from a fixed initial position to a terminal position and a one way connection means between said actuator and said resettable register efiective to connect said actuator to said register to reset said register on movement of said actuator to said terminal position and ineffective to connect said actuator to said register on movement from said terminal position, operating mechanism for operating said resetting mechanism comprising spring means to advance said actuator from said initial position to actuate said resetting element, means to return said actuator from said terminal position and energize said spring means, and means to retain said actuator in said initial position including a releasable retaining element operative in one position to prevent movement of said actuator and shiftable from said one position to release said actuator for movement by said spring means, and control mechanism for controlling dispensing of fluid and resetting of said register comprising switch operating means including a switch operator movable in opposite directions to open and close said switch, an operating element, a lost motion connection connecting said operating element to said switch operator, said operating element being movable in one direction to open said switch after movement through the lost motion of said connection, and means to shift said releasable retaining element from said one position to release said actuator device and to restore said retaining element to said one position, including a member connected to said operating element and movable to restore said retaining element to said one position upon move, ment by said operating element on switch opening movement.

30. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing line, a pump communicating with a source of liquid supply and connected to propel liquid through the dispensing line, a motor for driving said pump, a switch connected to start and stop said motor, a meter operable by the liquid propelled through the line, a resettable register, driving means connecting said register for operation by said meter, resetting mechanism connected to said register and movable in one direction to reset said register, operating mechanism for operating said resetting mechanism, comprising spring means for moving said resetting mechanism on resetting operation, means to prevent resetting operation of said resetting mechanism, including a releasable retaining element operative in one position to prevent resetting movement of said resetting mechanism and shiftable from said one position to release said resetting mechanism for said resetting operation, and control mechanism for controlling dispensing of fluid and resetting of said register, comprising a manual control member movable from a first to a second position and connected to said releasable retaining element to move said element from said one position on movement of said manual control element from said first position to release said resetting mechanism for resetting operation and to restore said retaining element to said one position on movement of said manual control element to said first position, switch operating means to open and close said switch, and switch control means to control operation of said switch operating means, said switch control means being actuated by said resetting mechanism on resetting operation, and a lost motion connection connecting said manual control member to said switch opcrating means, said switch operating means operating to close said switch on actuation of said switch control means and on movement of said manual control means to said second position after movement through said lost motion connection, said manual control member actuating said switch operating means to open said switch on movement to said first position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Dayton Feb. 13, 1934 Goss Apr. 3, 1934 Lent Mar. 2, 1937 Hazard Feb. 22, 1938 Goss Sept. 19, 1939 Foss July 7, 1942 Trexler Apr. 15, 1952 Hill et a1. May 6, 1952 

